Council Tax Support: time is running out to have your say
Croydon Council is considering changes to its Council Tax Support Scheme. Mind in Croydon is concerned that some of the proposed changes could leave disabled residents, people experiencing mental health problems and other people on low incomes significantly worse off.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 10 November 2026, so there is still time to make your voice heard.
What is Council Tax Support?
Council Tax Support helps people on low incomes pay some or all of their Council Tax.
Croydon’s current scheme prioritises disabled residents who are not in employment (for example unable to work due to poor mental health) and in some circumstance residents can receive support covering their full Council Tax bill.
Croydon Council is now consulting on a range of options for the future of the scheme. No final decision has been made. The Council has said that consultation feedback will help shape the recommendations presented to Full Council in February 2027. Any agreed changes would come into effect from April 2027.
Why is Mind in Croydon concerned?
Mind in Croydon recognises the difficult financial position facing the Council and welcomes the opportunity to take part in an open and meaningful consultation.
However, we are seriously concerned about the potential impact of some of the options being considered.
Some disabled residents who are not working currently receive maximum Council Tax Support of 100%. Under some of the proposals, the maximum support available could be reduced to as little as 50%.
For people already managing on very limited incomes, this could create a significant new household cost. It could increase the risk of:
- financial hardship;
- Council Tax arrears and debt;
- stress and anxiety;
- deteriorating mental health; and
- increased demand for welfare rights, advice, mental health and social care services.
Disabled residents and people experiencing serious or long-term mental health problems may already face additional costs and barriers to employment. Some people may also find it difficult to understand the proposals, respond to official correspondence or make their voices heard through a formal consultation process.
What is Mind in Croydon asking the Council to do?
Mind in Croydon has submitted a formal response asking Croydon Council to:
- retain maximum Council Tax Support of 100% for disabled residents who are not working;
- complete and publish a full Equality Impact Assessment before making a final decision;
- provide clear information about any hardship scheme or transitional protection;
- consult directly and accessibly with disabled residents and people with lived experience of mental health problems; and
- consider the additional pressure that reductions in support could place on local advice, welfare rights, mental health and social care services.
We hope that the Council will listen carefully to residents and community organisations and ensure that any final decision protects those least able to afford additional household costs.
How can I provide feedback?
We encourage all Croydon residents to read the proposals and respond..
You can:
- Read the proposals and complete the online consultation here – Have Your Say Today – Council Tax Support Consultation 2026 – Commonplace
- Email your comments to CTSschemefeedback@croydon.gov.uk.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
The consultation is ending soon
The survey closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
Your experience matters. Please respond before the deadline and help ensure that Croydon Council understands how the proposed changes could affect you, your family and your community.
Worried about what the proposals could mean for you?
If you are concerned about the possible impact of the proposals, you can contact the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space for advice, guidance and signposting:
Telephone: 020 3154 9539
Email: chws@mindincroydon.org.uk
Posted on: 5th November 2026
